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February 22, 2012





                  


 
  
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West Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church Weekly News


Taking the pulse of General Conferenceul 

The Rev. Laurie Haller heads the West Michigan delegation to the 2012 General Conference. Here's a glimpse of what's ahead for those who gather for the legislative assembly in Tampa, April 24-May 4.... READ MORE  READ MORERER

Clergy not available on Amazon  

This month Bill Dobbs, Assistant to the Bishop of the Michigan Area, gives a glimpse into how pastoral changes happen. It involves a holy conversation not "shopping preferences."... READ MORE

ITEMS OF IMPORTANCE COMING UP

  • New deadline for US2/Intern apps
    If you are between the ages of 20 to 30 and feel called to address the root causes of injustice so that the gospel is lived out alongside communities and organizations seeking peace and systemic transformation, apply to become a United Methodist US-2 or Mission Intern. The extended deadline is March 15. READ MORE

  • Clergy ethics training March 19 - 21
    Pre-Register here: http://bit.ly/SERegister

     

  • Peace Sermon and ‘Peacemaker’
    Please submit both peace sermons and nominations for peacemaker to Ellen Brubaker, Chair, WMC Board of Church and Society,  johnellen5@comcast.net. April 1 deadline.

Promotional Materials Due Feb 28
Agencies and organizations who want to promote special meals or events being held during Annual Conference have until February 28th to submit them in PDF form to the Conference Office.  These materials will be available to view and download on the conference website during registration.  Please email all materials to Mark Doyal, Director of Communications  MarkD@wmcumc.org.

The Annual Conference Hospitality Team needs YOU!  
The "Purple Shirts" will again be hosting you at the Annual Conference at Calvin College, June 6-9, 2012. We need volunteers! Any day and time you could volunteer would be helpful.  READ MORE for times and opportunites. Contact Nichea Ver Veer Guy, orangecelt00@aol.com or the Trinity UMC/Grand Rapids office  616.456.7168.  

2012 Annual Conference Ministry Fair - REGISTER
Saturday, June 9, from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Table registration deadline February 24. Download form and email to Valerie Mossman-Celestin valeriem@wmcumc.org.

Have a voice to share?
The Annual Conference Worship Committee is seeking talented vocalists to participate in this year's choir, June 6-9. If you are interested in contributing to the joyful sound of worship during Annual Conference, please send an email to Joseph Jennings -- dfafumc@att.net  or call him for  more information  231-924-0030.

General Conference Daily Schedule download here

 Q. What are some interesting stats for General Conference?
 
A. CLICK HERE FOR 8!
Rev. Laurie Haller, WMC delegation chair 

12 Step sermons and studies sought
The Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) is in its 20th year.  We are asking for pastors to submit 12 step sermons and laity 12 step Bible Study. ... READ MORE

Lent 2012 begins February 22
Are you looking for resources for Bible Studies, retreats, small groups or classes during Lent? MARC, the Michigan Area Resource Center, has what you may be looking for!... READ MORE

Be alcohol free for Lent!
READ MORE

 

Have a story to share?

Please email us!  Deadline for new material is Friday.

Have a comment to share?
Please email us!  We would like to hear from you!

Follow us! 

Free Webinars resource leaders 
The General Board of Discipleship will offer free webinars during February and March as follows ... Register for all webinars at www.gbod.org/committee_resources  READ MORE

Lenten concert Series
First UMC of Kalamazoo (212 S. Park Street) is having a Lenten Concert Series on six Thursdays during Lent (February 23 - March 29). The 50-minute concerts begin at noon and are open to the public. The concerts will feature a variety of organ music. Questions: 269-381-6340, www.umc-kzo.orgREAD MORE

From Pastor-Centered to Strategic Team Leadership

The Institute for Transformative Leaders and Communities (ITLC) at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary will offer a two-day workshop, From Pastor-Centered to Strategic Team Leadership, on February 24-25, 2012. To register for the conference, please visit ITLC's website:http://www.transformativeleaders.org/events-programs/35. READ MORE 

 """Early Onset Dementia"
Clark Retirement Community hosts a monthly Dementia Education Series. The February program is entitled “Early Onset Dementia”. If you’re in your 40’s, 50’s or 60’s, you should attend! Come join us on February 28 at 10:30am at the Clark on Keller Lake, 2499 Forest Hill Ave, 954-6628 or on February 29 at 2:00pm in the Clark Chapel, 1551 Franklin St SE, 452-1568. READ MORE

Adults are Different! Adult Experiences of Faith
February 28 at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time
Help for teachers and leaders of adult groups in understanding some of the characteristics of adults that affect their participation and in planning more effectively for the members in their class or group.  Register at www.gbod.org/adultseminars.


A Lenten Mosaic
Sunday evenings in March. Dinner 5:30 p.m.; Program 6:15 p.m. For program details READ MORE
Wyoming Park United Methodist Church, 2244 Porter St. SW Wyoming, 616.532.7624 or www.wpumc.net


Bishop’s Day 2012:  “Imagine a Healthy Body of Christ”
Saturday, March 10 at Big Rapids First UMC. The keynote speakers are Keith Mumma and John Yates, MD from International Child Care. They will be speaking specifically about Haiti and Grace Children’s Hospital. Workshops as well as a Health & Ministry Fair will be available.  The event is FREE; however, we do need everyone to pre-register online. Click here for a printable brochure. Click here to register now!

“Illumination”
First UMC of Kalamazoo (212 S. Park Street) is hosting an exhibit of religious icon artwork by local artist Jean Flower. The exhibit, titled “Illumination,“ will be open to the public in the parlor beginning Sunday, March 11. READ MORE for complete listing of days / times. “Take a Stroll with Your Soul” labyrinth prayer walk will also be open to the public on March 11 in Wesley Hall from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Questions: 269.381.6340, www.umc-kzo.org.

2012 Mission and Evangelism Institute 
Methodist Theological School in Ohio will host the Mission and Evangelism Institute March 19 and 20, with the theme “Missional Church in Many Contexts.” The institute will offer pathways toward becoming a missional congregation in rural, suburban and urban settings. Additional material, including a schedule and registration form, is available at www.mtso.edu/mei. READ MORE

Spring Splash youth event
Join the Spring Splash water park fun at Avalanche Bay, April 21 - 22. Accomodations at Lake Louise. $65 per person if received by March 1st. READ MORE for registration information.

Register for Change the World before April 16 and score a free reusable lawn banner!
Register for Change the World In 2012, the church will come together, not only for General Conference, but also to change the world. United Methodists will extend justice and compassion in community on May 19 and 20.articipated in an Advent Conspiracy. The effort raised enough money to bring four food trucks to their neighborhood. Fifty members producing 20,000 pounds of food. That's a gift on a loaves-and-fishes scale!  ...AOn January 8 Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton announced that the new Superintendent for the Grand Rapids District is William E. Haggard. Bill currently serves Lansing Mt. Hope UMC. He will begin his assignment on July 1, 2012. ...   RRRRRRReeehttp://bit.ly/BHaggard 

State-Wide Wesley Retreat
Students from Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Adrian College, and the University of Michigan gathered in Ann Arbor from January 27-29 for a weekend of faith and fellowship. ... sessions asked students to discuss and delve deeper into what they believe and why.  READ MORE

A mountain-top prayer from Africa 
Students recently hiked to a spot high above Africa University to hold a prayer vigil for the Ubuntu Gathering Center. Eric Mulanda's report is filled with hope for the future of the project and for Africa.... READ MORE


  IN THIS ISSUE


New Rethink Church Sermon Series: Journey to Hope




2012 Calendars

Save up to 51% in January. 





Top UMC Videos and Photos of 2011




Churches save up to 83% on Office.





 Human Relations Day is Jan 15. Watch and share these video resources.



Free General Conference Online Course
Free online course about the importance and function of General Conference.

6 New Year’s resolutions to equip new leaders

Do you want to get your church hopping in the New Year? Below are five motivating and inspiring ways to get your new leaders off to a positive start.

continue >>

Make your move to a mobile website

The number of mobile Internet users is rapidly growing, so the need for a mobile version of your church’s website is increasing each day.

continue >>

Watch the video now!


5 Tips for Crisis Communications

Whether a crisis strikes without warning or there’s a simmering situation that gradually gets out of hand, you want to be prepared when your reputation is on the line. Watch now >>

5 tips to launch a career ministry

The unemployment crisis in cities across the United States calls faith communities to step up, get involved and use their gifts and talents to love and help their neighbors weather it.

continue >>

New year a time for brainstorming, goal setting

With the beginning of a new calendar year, it’s New Year’s resolution time. This is a perfect time for your church to take advantage of the universal goal-setting, fresh-start mindset.

continue >>

12 ways to care for military members and their families

How can congregations faithfully serve those in the armed forces? This includes not only those deployed but their families and the religious professionals who care for them. 

continue >>

Training: United Methodism 101


UM101 is a basic online course designed for new and long-time United Methodists who would like to know more about the denomination.

Preview the course and register now.

Register for UM101 today!

Best of recent articles

Best of umcom.org

5 worship trends for the unattached
Weighing in on the obesity epidemic:
5 fun ways to promote healthy lifestyles in the New Year

Facebook changes mean new strategies for churches
5 types of church visitors: Are you ready for them?
Free software downloads: Office and ministry tools
Change the World: 5 sweet outreach ideas
11 party games and jokes for team building
Top 10 UMC Facebook posts for your church
8 church communication faux pas

Rethink Church
Welcoming
Training
Church Marketing Plan
Web Ministry

 


10 church signs that make people cringe

The first thing passersby see in front of a church is the sign or marquee. Many churches think their pithy sayings are witty and attractive.
In reality, however, the messages may be lame, insulting and embarrassing. Here is a list of the top 10 church sign blunders, as well as some ideas for messages that are inviting, welcoming or inspiring.

continue >> You don’t need a house to belong to a church!

In his ministry, Jesus traveled from town to town. While he wasn’t homeless, he did rely on the kindness and love of others, much as those without a home do today.
Many churches give generously of their time and treasures to help the homeless. Expand both your involvement and your congregation by identifying ways to welcome and incorporate homeless people into your worship services and church activities.

continue >> 2009 movies that will preach

Jesus was a master of metaphor, telling parables that could visually represent complex truths about God and humanity. Some movies today incorporate those elements.
These films from 2009 have characters who are redeemers or who experience redemption to some degree. Consider showing a clip from one these films to drive your message home in a culturally meaningful and relevant way.

continue >> 7 paths to relevant worship

Relevance is in the eye and ear of the beholder. Put yourself in the place of various segments of your congregation to see how your worship service relates to them.
We typically go through life focused on ourselves, paying attention to what we find interesting. We leave what we find uninteresting. Worship services are no different. Unless worshippers feel or think the service is speaking to them, they will stop listening.

continue >> Is Google the future of evangelism?

You won’t find search engine optimization (SEO) taught in Evangelism 101. The result is that few church leaders know how to use this tool to connect with online surfers.
Once we break down the science of SEO into chewable bites, you will see a wealth of outreach possibilities. Learn how you can both show up in the top 10 search results and how you can use Google to minister to those in need?

continue >> Avoid worship multi-media team burnout

Being involved multi-media tasks during worship is not only somewhat stressful (everyone will see your mistakes on large screens), but also can tax one’s spiritual connection with God.
We all need nourishment from God’s word no matter how we serve the church. Media team members work at tasks throughout the services. Typically, a glass barrier is between them and actual worship service. Continual disengagement can lead to bitterness and resentment toward the ministry.

continue >> Office 2010 sets the standard higher than ever!

Have you been under the impression that Microsoft Office 2010 is just another software suite? Think again! Office 2010 is bigger – and more comprehensive – than ever before.
This software suite can help streamline your office operations while you’re away, simplify everyday tasks and even take your sermon presentation to a new heavenly level!

continue >>

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